Complete UniFi + Wazuh Security Stack Guide
Network Protection and Centralized Monitoring for Small Business
Learn to build a practical, cost-effective security stack using UniFi CyberSecure for network protection and Wazuh for endpoint monitoring, log analysis, and vulnerability management.
What This Guide Covers
This guide walks through building a practical, cost-effective security stack using UniFi CyberSecure for network-level protection and Wazuh for endpoint monitoring, log analysis, and vulnerability management. You'll learn why this two-component approach often works better than complex multi-tool setups, how to implement each component, and whether this combination fits your organization's needs.
Network-Level Protection
UniFi CyberSecure for network boundary monitoring and filtering
Endpoint Monitoring
Wazuh for log analysis, vulnerability management, and compliance
Integration Strategy
How the two-component approach creates comprehensive coverage
What You'll Learn in This Guide
Why two components work better than many: Understanding the strategic advantage of focused, complementary tools over complex multi-tool environments
Complete implementation methodology: Step-by-step deployment process for both UniFi CyberSecure and Wazuh components, building on proven cybersecurity roadmap principles
Integration strategies: How to connect UniFi network monitoring with Wazuh endpoint analysis for comprehensive visibility
Cost analysis and ROI: Detailed breakdown of implementation costs compared to commercial alternatives
Organizational fit assessment: How to determine if this approach matches your technical capabilities and business requirements
Performance optimization: Best practices for tuning both components for maximum effectiveness with minimal resource impact
Key Benefits of This Approach
Cost Effectiveness
This approach typically costs 40-70% less than commercial alternatives while providing comparable customization and control capabilities. Most small businesses can implement comprehensive monitoring for under $5,000 annually.
Comprehensive Coverage
The combination eliminates tool redundancy while covering all essential security functions: network perimeter protection, endpoint monitoring, log analysis, vulnerability detection, and compliance reporting.
Why Two Components Work Better Than Many
Most small businesses fall into the trap of accumulating security tools that overlap in functionality, creating complexity without proportional security benefits. The UniFi + Wazuh combination addresses this by providing complementary capabilities that eliminate tool redundancy while covering all essential security functions at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives.
Complementary Component Architecture
Network Layer (UniFi)
Monitors and filters traffic at your network boundary
Key Capabilities:
- Perimeter traffic analysis
- Threat signature matching
- Automated blocking of malicious IPs
- DNS query monitoring
- Network anomaly detection
Everything Else (Wazuh)
Handles endpoint monitoring, log analysis, vulnerability detection, compliance reporting, and incident response
Key Capabilities:
- Endpoint monitoring and analysis
- Log collection and correlation
- Vulnerability scanning
- Compliance reporting
- Incident response workflows
Problem-Solution Framework
Common Problem
Tool Overlap and Redundancy
Two-Component Solution
Complementary capabilities with zero functional overlap between network and endpoint monitoring
Common Problem
Complexity Without Benefits
Two-Component Solution
Two focused tools that excel in their domains rather than multiple tools with overlapping features
Strategic Advantages of This Approach
Clear Boundaries
Each component has distinct responsibilities: UniFi owns network perimeter, Wazuh owns everything internal. No confusion about which tool handles what.
Reduced Complexity
Two tools to learn, configure, and maintain instead of five or more overlapping solutions that require coordination and duplicate effort.
Cost Efficiency
Eliminates licensing overlap and reduces training requirements while providing comprehensive coverage at 40-70% less cost than commercial alternatives.
Scalable Foundation
Both components scale effectively as organizations grow, supporting anything from 10 endpoints to enterprise deployments with consistent architecture.
Integration Synergy
Network events from UniFi correlate naturally with endpoint data from Wazuh, providing complete incident context without complex integration overhead.
Defense in Depth
Multiple security layers without redundancy - network filtering catches threats before they reach systems, endpoint monitoring catches what gets through.
Component 1: Network Protection with UniFi CyberSecure
UniFi CyberSecure transforms your existing UniFi gateway into an enterprise-grade network security appliance. Rather than adding separate hardware, you enable advanced threat detection capabilities through a subscription service that continuously analyzes network traffic patterns against Proofpoint's threat intelligence database. For detailed UniFi product analysis, see our comprehensive UniFi IT solutions review.
UniFi Hardware Selection Guide
Dream Machine Pro
$377Best entry point for most small businesses
- Supports CyberSecure Standard
- Up to 3.5 Gbps IPS routing
- Built-in controller
- Cost-effective entry point
Dream Machine SE
Pricing variesMid-tier option with integrated switching
- 8-port PoE switch integrated
- 2.5 Gbps WAN support
- Enhanced storage capacity
- Good for growing businesses
Dream Machine Pro Max
$599High-performance option for larger deployments
- 5 Gbps IPS routing
- Enhanced processing power
- Dual NVR bays
- Full CyberSecure Enterprise support
Enterprise Options
UXG series gateways are designed for larger organizations requiring dedicated hardware and advanced networking features. Consider these for 100+ endpoint environments requiring enterprise-grade performance and features.
Technical Capabilities
Threat Detection Scale
Coverage Areas
Implementation Approach
Start with Monitoring
Enable CyberSecure in "notify" mode initially. This allows you to understand what traffic would be blocked without disrupting business operations. Observe patterns for 2-4 weeks before enabling blocking features.
Gradual Enforcement
After observing patterns, enable blocking for high-confidence threat categories first, then expand coverage based on your comfort level and understanding of your network traffic patterns.
Performance Considerations
CyberSecure uses gateway memory and CPU resources. For networks with high traffic volumes or resource-intensive features like BGP routing, monitor gateway performance during initial deployment and adjust signature sets as needed.
Cost Structure
Standard CyberSecure
Enterprise CyberSecure
Network Coverage Limitations
CyberSecure analyzes unencrypted traffic patterns and metadata rather than encrypted content. While this limits visibility into HTTPS communications, it remains effective for:
- Identifying communication with known malicious IP addresses
- Detecting suspicious DNS queries and responses
- Monitoring for lateral movement within your network
- Blocking connections to command-and-control infrastructure
- Analyzing traffic volume and timing patterns
- Local processing for data privacy preservation
Component 2: Comprehensive Monitoring with Wazuh
Wazuh serves as your security operations center, collecting and analyzing data from across your environment. Unlike network-focused tools, Wazuh provides deep visibility into individual systems, applications, and user activities through comprehensive log analysis and endpoint monitoring.
Core Capabilities
Endpoint Monitoring
Tracks file changes, process execution, user logins, and system configurations on individual devices through lightweight agents
Log Analysis
Processes logs from servers, applications, network devices, and cloud services to identify security events and compliance violations
Vulnerability Detection
Scans systems for missing patches, misconfigurations, and known security weaknesses without requiring separate vulnerability scanning tools
Compliance Reporting
Maps security controls to frameworks like NIST, PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR, generating audit-ready reports
Architecture Options
Self-Hosted Deployment
Install Wazuh components on your own infrastructure using their open-source components
Advantages
- Complete control over data and infrastructure
- No ongoing cloud service costs
- Customizable to specific requirements
Considerations
- Requires technical expertise for setup
- Ongoing maintenance responsibility
- Infrastructure scaling management
Cloud-Hosted Service
Use managed Wazuh services where providers handle the infrastructure while you focus on configuration
Advantages
- Managed infrastructure and updates
- Easier scaling and maintenance
- Professional support available
Considerations
- Higher ongoing costs
- Less control over infrastructure
- Data residency considerations
Hybrid Approach
Combine both approaches: Run core components locally with cloud-based analytics and reporting for easier management and scalability. This provides control over sensitive data while leveraging managed services for complex analysis.
Agent Deployment Strategy
Wazuh agents should be installed on critical systems first, then expanded based on risk assessment. This phased approach ensures immediate protection for your most important assets while allowing for gradual expansion.
Critical Systems Deployment
Critical infrastructure components that require immediate monitoring
Critical Systems Deployment
Important systems that handle sensitive data or user access
Critical Systems Deployment
Supporting infrastructure that can be monitored after critical systems
Integration Capabilities
Wazuh integrates with numerous security tools and platforms, making it an effective central hub for security data. These integrations enhance threat detection and provide comprehensive visibility across your entire infrastructure.
Cloud Platforms
Cloud security monitoring and log analysis
Network Devices
Infrastructure logs and network security events
Applications
Application security monitoring and compliance
Threat Intelligence
Enhanced threat detection and correlation
How UniFi and Wazuh Work Together
The UniFi + Wazuh combination creates defense in depth without functional overlap. UniFi handles network perimeter protection while Wazuh monitors everything inside, providing complete incident context through integrated analysis.
Complementary Coverage
UniFi Handles Network Perimeter
Blocking threats before they reach your systems through network-level analysis and filtering.
- Traffic pattern analysis
- Malicious IP blocking
- DNS query monitoring
Wazuh Handles Everything Inside
Monitoring what happens on individual devices and applications for comprehensive internal visibility.
- Endpoint activity monitoring
- Application log analysis
- File integrity monitoring
Data Integration
Configure your UniFi gateway to send security logs to Wazuh for centralized analysis. This integration provides unified incident context and correlation capabilities.
Unified Timeline
See network events alongside endpoint activities in a single dashboard
Correlation Capabilities
Connect network anomalies with specific system behaviors
Complete Incident Context
Understand both how attacks arrive and what they do once inside
Practical Integration Example
UniFi Detection
UniFi detects suspicious outbound traffic from an employee workstation attempting to communicate with a known malicious IP address.
Wazuh Correlation
Wazuh receives the network log and correlates it with endpoint data from the same workstation, revealing recent file system changes.
Enhanced Analysis
Wazuh analysis reveals the workstation recently downloaded a suspicious file and executed an unknown process, providing the attack timeline.
Combined Intelligence
The integrated analysis provides the complete attack timeline: initial infection vector, file system changes, process execution, and network communication attempts - enabling comprehensive response.
Implementation Roadmap
This four-phase roadmap guides you through a systematic deployment that minimizes business disruption while building comprehensive security coverage. Each phase builds on the previous one, ensuring a stable foundation before adding complexity.
Phase 1: Network Foundation
Establish baseline network monitoring and protection
6-8 hours initial configuration, 2-3 hours weekly review
Complete within month 1
UniFi CyberSecure Setup
- Subscribe to CyberSecure service through UniFi console
- Enable monitoring mode for all threat categories
- Configure alert notifications to security team
- Document normal traffic patterns for 2-4 weeks
Phase 2: Monitoring Infrastructure
Deploy Wazuh and begin endpoint visibility
16-24 hours initial setup, 4-6 hours weekly maintenance
Complete within month 2
Wazuh Deployment
- Choose hosting approach (self-hosted vs managed)
- Install core Wazuh components (manager, indexer, dashboard)
- Configure initial log sources (UniFi, domain controllers, critical servers)
- Set up basic alerting rules
Phase 3: Agent Rollout
Achieve comprehensive endpoint monitoring
12-16 hours deployment, 3-4 hours weekly monitoring
Complete within month 3
Agent Deployment
- Install Wazuh agents on critical systems
- Configure file integrity monitoring for sensitive directories
- Enable vulnerability detection scans
- Create custom rules for your environment
Phase 4: Integration and Optimization
Connect systems and refine detection
8-12 hours integration, 2-3 hours weekly optimization
Complete within month 4
Integration Tasks
- Configure UniFi log forwarding to Wazuh
- Create correlation rules for network and endpoint events
- Build dashboards for security operations
- Fine-tune alerting to reduce false positives
Success Factors for Each Phase
Critical Success Factors
- Start with monitoring mode before enabling blocking
- Document baseline traffic patterns before enforcement
- Deploy agents to critical systems first
- Allow time for system learning and tuning
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- !Enabling blocking mode too early without understanding traffic
- !Deploying too many agents simultaneously
- !Skipping the monitoring and tuning phase
- !Insufficient resource allocation for initial setup
Cost Analysis
This approach typically costs 40-70% less than commercial alternatives while providing comparable customization and control capabilities. The wide cost range reflects different deployment choices between self-hosted and managed services. For additional cost-effective security strategies, see our cybersecurity on budget guide.
Year One Total Cost
UniFi CyberSecure
$99-499 annually
subscriptionWazuh Self-Hosted
$0 (infrastructure costs only)
infrastructureWazuh Cloud-Hosted
$2,400-36,000 annually
managedImplementation Time
40-60 hours at $100/hour = $4,000-6,000
professionalTotal Range: $4,139-42,499 first year
Wide range due to managed service options. Most small businesses can implement comprehensive monitoring for under $10,000 first year including professional implementation.
Ongoing Annual Costs
UniFi CyberSecure
$99-499
expect 5-10% annual increasesWazuh Cloud-Hosted
$2,400-36,000 annually
varies by deployment sizeMaintenance Time
6-8 hours monthly at $100/hour = $7,200-9,600
ongoing support needsTotal Range: $2,139-45,599 annually
Self-hosted vs managed options create significant cost variation. Self-hosted approaches minimize ongoing costs but require internal expertise.
Comparable Alternatives
Managed SIEM Service
$5,000-15,000 annually
similar capabilities
Enterprise Security Platform
$15,000-50,000 annually
comparable features
Multiple Point Solutions
$8,000-25,000 annually
equivalent coverage
This approach typically costs 40-70% less than commercial alternatives while providing comparable customization and control capabilities.
When This Approach Makes Sense
The UniFi + Wazuh approach works best for organizations seeking enterprise-grade security capabilities without enterprise-level complexity or costs. This combination is particularly effective for mid-sized businesses with basic IT capabilities and clear security objectives.
Ideal Organizations
Size: 10-250 endpoints
Perfect scale for comprehensive monitoring without enterprise complexity
- Small enough to implement without dedicated security team
- Large enough to justify investment in proper tools
- Manageable scope for initial deployment and ongoing maintenance
Technical Capability: Some internal IT expertise
Organizations with basic IT infrastructure management capabilities
- Understanding of network concepts and system administration
- Ability to follow technical documentation and best practices
- Willingness to invest time in learning new security tools
Budget Constraints: Enterprise capabilities at small business prices
Need professional security monitoring without enterprise costs
- Limited budget for security solutions
- Require cost-effective approach to comprehensive monitoring
- Seeking alternatives to expensive managed security services
Compliance Requirements: Must demonstrate security controls
Organizations needing documented security monitoring and controls
- Industry compliance requirements (HIPAA, PCI DSS, etc.)
- Need for audit trails and security reporting
- Requirement to demonstrate due diligence in security practices
Success Indicators
Organizations most likely to succeed with this approach demonstrate these characteristics across technical, organizational, and resource dimensions:
Technical Readiness
- Existing UniFi network infrastructure in place
- Basic understanding of network security concepts
- Comfortable with technical documentation and guides
- Existing server infrastructure for self-hosted options
Organizational Fit
- Security awareness and commitment from leadership
- Available time for implementation and maintenance
- Willingness to invest in employee training
- Clear security objectives and compliance requirements
Resource Availability
- Dedicated IT personnel or reliable IT support
- Budget for both implementation and ongoing maintenance
- Time allocation for initial setup and learning curve
- Infrastructure capacity for additional monitoring tools
When to Consider Alternatives
While the UniFi + Wazuh approach serves many organizations well, certain scenarios may benefit from different solutions:
Very Small Organizations (Under 10 endpoints)
UniFi CyberSecure alone may provide sufficient protection. Wazuh deployment overhead may exceed benefits.
Consider instead:
Large Enterprises (Over 500 endpoints)
May require more sophisticated features, dedicated security teams, and enterprise support.
Consider instead:
Limited Technical Expertise
Self-hosted Wazuh requires ongoing technical maintenance and expertise.
Consider instead:
High-Compliance Environments
May need additional compliance features, certifications, or audit support.
Consider instead:
Decision Framework
Choose This Approach If:
- You have 10-250 endpoints to monitor
- Internal IT team with basic networking knowledge
- Budget constraints but security requirements
- Existing or planned UniFi network infrastructure
- Need compliance documentation and audit trails
Consider Alternatives If:
- Very small organization (under 10 endpoints)
- Large enterprise (over 500 endpoints)
- Limited technical expertise available
- Require immediate enterprise-level support
- Highly regulated industry with specific tool requirements
Technical Requirements Assessment
Successful implementation requires specific hardware, software, and skill prerequisites. Understanding these requirements upfront ensures smooth deployment and ongoing operation of both UniFi CyberSecure and Wazuh components.
UniFi Infrastructure Prerequisites
Gateway Requirements
Compatible UniFi hardware for CyberSecure functionality
Most Small Businesses
Dream Machine Pro is the most cost-effective entry point
Enterprise Deployments
For 100+ endpoint environments requiring enterprise features
Network Coverage
UniFi switching and wireless recommended for full visibility
Recommended Setup
Complete UniFi ecosystem provides best monitoring coverage
Connectivity & Access
Network and administrative requirements
Essential Requirements
Stable connectivity critical for threat intelligence updates
Wazuh Infrastructure Prerequisites
Server Resources
Hardware requirements for Wazuh manager components
| Component | CPU | RAM | Storage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wazuh Manager | 4+ cores | 4+ GB | 50+ GB | Scales with endpoint count |
| Wazuh Indexer | 4+ cores | 8+ GB | 100+ GB | Storage requirements scale with log volume |
| Wazuh Dashboard | 2+ cores | 4+ GB | 20+ GB | Web interface and reporting |
Network Connectivity
Network requirements for agent communication
- Agents must reach Wazuh manager on port 1514 (TCP)
- Manager API access on port 55000 for configuration
- Dashboard web interface on port 443/80
- Firewall rules to allow agent registration and communication
Operating System
Supported platforms for Wazuh components
Linux (Recommended)
Best performance and feature support
Windows Server
Limited compared to Linux deployment
Administrative Access
Permissions needed for deployment and management
- Ability to install agents on monitored systems
- Administrative access to configure log forwarding
- Network permissions to configure firewall rules
- System administration rights for ongoing maintenance
Skill Requirements
Network Administration
Understanding of firewall rules, VLANs, routing
- Configure UniFi gateway and network policies
- Set up VLANs and network segmentation
- Manage firewall rules and access controls
- Troubleshoot network connectivity issues
System Administration
Experience with Linux/Windows server management
- Install and configure server applications
- Manage user accounts and permissions
- Configure log forwarding and monitoring
- Perform routine system maintenance
Log Analysis
Ability to interpret security logs and create custom rules
- Understand common log formats and entries
- Create custom Wazuh detection rules
- Analyze security events and patterns
- Configure alerting thresholds and conditions
Incident Response
Basic understanding of threat investigation procedures
- Recognize common security event patterns
- Follow incident response procedures
- Document security events and responses
- Coordinate with security teams or vendors
Scaling Considerations
Requirements scale significantly with deployment size. Plan infrastructure capacity based on your current and projected endpoint count:
Small Deployment (10-50 endpoints)
Recommended Hardware: Single Wazuh server, Dream Machine Pro
Key Considerations:
Medium Deployment (50-150 endpoints)
Recommended Hardware: Dedicated Wazuh cluster, Dream Machine Pro Max
Key Considerations:
Large Deployment (150+ endpoints)
Recommended Hardware: Multi-node Wazuh cluster, UXG Enterprise series
Key Considerations:
Planning Recommendation
Start with requirements for your current environment plus 25-50% capacity for growth. Both UniFi and Wazuh can scale incrementally, but initial over-provisioning prevents performance issues during expansion.
Security Coverage Analysis
Understanding what this security stack protects against—and where additional tools may be needed—helps you make informed decisions about your overall security posture and future investments. For comprehensive security planning guidance, reference our NIST CSF 2.0 implementation guide.
What This Stack Protects Against
Network-Based Threats
Monitored at network perimeter through traffic analysis and threat intelligence
Endpoint Threats
Detected through endpoint monitoring, file integrity monitoring, and behavioral analysis
Configuration Issues
Identified through vulnerability scanning and configuration monitoring
Insider Threats
Monitored through user behavior analysis and access logging
Coverage Strengths
Comprehensive Network Visibility
UniFi infrastructure provides near-complete network traffic visibility
Deep Endpoint Monitoring
Wazuh agents provide detailed system and application monitoring
Compliance Documentation
Automated compliance reporting for major frameworks
Cost Effectiveness
Enterprise capabilities at small business pricing
Coverage Gaps to Consider
While comprehensive, this stack has specific areas where additional security tools may be necessary based on your environment and risk profile:
Email Security
Requires additional email security solution for comprehensive phishing protection
Recommendation:
Deploy dedicated email security gateway or cloud-based email protection
Potential Solutions:
Web Application Security
May need dedicated web application firewall for public-facing applications
Recommendation:
Implement WAF for externally accessible web applications
Potential Solutions:
Mobile Device Management
Limited visibility into mobile devices and applications
Recommendation:
Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solution for BYOD environments
Potential Solutions:
Cloud Security
Additional tools needed for comprehensive cloud workload protection
Recommendation:
Implement cloud-native security tools for cloud infrastructure monitoring
Potential Solutions:
Expanding Coverage Over Time
Build your security capabilities incrementally, starting with the core foundation and adding specialized tools as budget and requirements grow:
Year 1
Network + endpoint monitoring foundation
Year 2
Email security and backup monitoring
Year 3
Cloud security and advanced threat hunting
Year 4
Specialized compliance and industry-specific tools
Strategic Approach
This timeline allows you to build comprehensive security coverage while managing costs and complexity. Each year's additions complement the existing foundation rather than replacing it, ensuring your investment continues to provide value as your security program matures.
Common Implementation Challenges
Understanding typical implementation challenges and their solutions helps you plan effectively and avoid common pitfalls that can delay deployment or reduce effectiveness.
Primary Implementation Challenges
Technical Complexity
Each component requires different skill sets and ongoing maintenance. Plan for learning curve time and consider managed services if internal expertise is limited.
Potential Impact:
Implementation delays, configuration errors, ongoing maintenance burden
Recommended Solutions:
Alert Fatigue
Initial configurations often generate too many alerts. Budget time for tuning rules and thresholds to focus on actionable events.
Potential Impact:
Decreased responsiveness to real threats, team burnout, alert dismissal
Recommended Solutions:
Integration Difficulties
Connecting UniFi logs to Wazuh requires network configuration and log parsing rules. Document all integration steps for troubleshooting.
Potential Impact:
Incomplete visibility, fragmented security monitoring, troubleshooting complexity
Recommended Solutions:
Resource Planning
Both tools can consume significant system resources during scanning and analysis. Monitor performance and plan for infrastructure scaling.
Potential Impact:
System performance degradation, scanning delays, monitoring gaps
Recommended Solutions:
Maintenance Overhead
Open-source tools require more hands-on maintenance than commercial solutions. Factor this into resource planning and consider managed options.
Potential Impact:
Ongoing time investment, security gaps during maintenance, skill requirements
Recommended Solutions:
Preventive Measures by Implementation Phase
Pre-Implementation
- Conduct thorough skill assessment and training needs analysis
- Create detailed project timeline with buffer time for learning
- Establish relationships with vendors and support communities
- Plan infrastructure capacity for current and future needs
- Develop incident response procedures before deployment
Implementation
- Start with minimal configurations and expand gradually
- Document every configuration change and decision
- Test all integrations in non-production environment
- Monitor system performance continuously during rollout
- Maintain backup monitoring systems during transition
Post-Implementation
- Schedule regular review meetings for alert tuning
- Establish maintenance windows for updates and changes
- Create automated health checks for all components
- Plan regular training updates for team members
- Develop long-term scaling and evolution strategy
Success Factors
Organizations that successfully implement and maintain this security stack typically excel in these key areas:
Realistic Timeline Expectations
Allow 6-12 months for full implementation and optimization
Dedicated Team Member
Assign at least one person as primary administrator
Vendor Relationship Management
Maintain good relationships with UniFi and Wazuh communities
Change Management Process
Document and test all configuration changes
Performance Monitoring
Continuously monitor system and network performance
Key Takeaway
Most implementation challenges are temporary and manageable with proper planning and realistic expectations. The learning investment pays dividends through improved security posture and reduced long-term operational costs compared to commercial alternatives.
Performance Optimization
Optimizing performance ensures your security stack operates efficiently without impacting network performance or overwhelming system resources. Focus on configuration tuning and proactive monitoring.
UniFi CyberSecure Optimization
Enable Memory Optimized Mode
For gateways with limited resources
Performance Impact:
Reduces memory usage by 20-30%
Implementation:
UniFi Console → Settings → Security → CyberSecure → Advanced → Memory Optimization
Tune Signature Categories
Focus on relevant threats for your environment
Performance Impact:
Reduces processing overhead and false positives
Implementation:
Disable low-priority threat categories, enable industry-specific signatures
Monitor Gateway Performance
Adjust signature sets if performance degrades
Performance Impact:
Maintains network performance while maximizing protection
Implementation:
Regular monitoring of CPU/memory usage, network throughput metrics
Schedule Signature Updates
During low-traffic periods
Performance Impact:
Prevents network disruption during signature downloads
Implementation:
Configure automatic updates for off-hours (typically 2-4 AM)
Wazuh Performance Tuning
Agent Configuration
Log Collection Frequency
Adjust based on system criticality
Recommendation: High-value systems: Every 30 seconds, Standard systems: Every 60-120 seconds
File Integrity Monitoring
Monitor only critical directories
Recommendation: Focus on system directories, application configs, and sensitive data locations
Rootcheck Frequency
Security scan intervals
Recommendation: Critical systems: Every 2 hours, Standard systems: Every 6-12 hours
Index Management
Data Retention Periods
Configure appropriate storage optimization
Recommendation: Security logs: 90 days, System logs: 30 days, Debug logs: 7 days
Index Compression
Reduce storage requirements
Recommendation: Enable compression for indices older than 7 days
Shard Configuration
Optimize for cluster performance
Recommendation: 1-2 primary shards per 30GB of data, 1 replica for redundancy
Rule Efficiency
Custom Rule Performance
Create efficient detection rules
Recommendation: Use specific field matching, avoid regex where possible, test rule performance
Alert Correlation
Minimize processing overhead
Recommendation: Combine related alerts, use time-based correlation windows
Decoder Optimization
Efficient log parsing
Recommendation: Order decoders by frequency, optimize regex patterns
Cluster Scaling
Node Specialization
Dedicated roles for performance
Recommendation: Separate indexing, searching, and master nodes for large deployments
Resource Allocation
Optimize memory and CPU distribution
Recommendation: 50% RAM for Elasticsearch heap, 25% for OS cache, 25% for applications
Network Optimization
Minimize inter-node communication
Recommendation: Co-locate related nodes, optimize network bandwidth and latency
Performance Monitoring Targets
| Metric | Target Range | Concern Threshold | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gateway CPU Usage | < 70% average | > 85% sustained | Enable memory optimization, reduce signature categories |
| Gateway Memory Usage | < 80% average | > 90% sustained | Enable memory optimization, upgrade to higher-spec gateway |
| Network Throughput | > 90% of baseline | < 80% of baseline | Adjust IPS/IDS settings, verify signature configuration |
| Wazuh Manager CPU | < 60% average | > 80% sustained | Optimize agent configurations, add cluster nodes |
| Wazuh Indexer Storage | < 80% utilized | > 90% utilized | Adjust retention policies, implement storage scaling |
| Alert Processing Time | < 5 seconds | > 30 seconds | Optimize correlation rules, increase indexer resources |
Monitoring Recommendations
Establish baseline performance metrics and implement continuous monitoring to detect performance degradation before it impacts security effectiveness:
UniFi Gateway
Key Metrics:
Monitoring Tools:
UniFi Console built-in monitoring
Frequency:
Continuous with 5-minute granularity
Wazuh Manager
Key Metrics:
Monitoring Tools:
Wazuh dashboard + external monitoring
Frequency:
Real-time with historical trending
Wazuh Indexer
Key Metrics:
Monitoring Tools:
Elasticsearch monitoring APIs
Frequency:
Daily checks with alerting thresholds
Performance Optimization Strategy
Start with conservative configurations and gradually increase monitoring intensity based on your infrastructure capacity. Regular performance review ensures your security tools enhance rather than hinder business operations.
Measuring Success
Establish clear metrics to track the effectiveness of your security stack and demonstrate value to stakeholders. Focus on security outcomes, operational efficiency, and business impact.
Security Metrics
Mean Time to Detection (MTTD)
How quickly threats are identified
Performance Targets:
Measurement Method:
From initial threat activity to first alert generation
Improvement Strategies:
- Tune detection rules for faster triggering
- Implement real-time correlation
- Optimize signature categories
Mean Time to Response (MTTR)
How quickly incidents are contained
Performance Targets:
Measurement Method:
From alert generation to incident containment
Improvement Strategies:
- Automate initial response actions
- Improve alert prioritization
- Streamline investigation procedures
False Positive Rate
Percentage of alerts requiring no action
Performance Targets:
Measurement Method:
False alerts / total alerts over 30-day period
Improvement Strategies:
- Regular rule tuning
- Baseline normal behavior
- Environment-specific customization
Coverage Percentage
Proportion of infrastructure actively monitored
Performance Targets:
Measurement Method:
Monitored assets / total critical assets
Improvement Strategies:
- Deploy agents to remaining systems
- Expand network monitoring
- Include cloud resources
Operational Metrics
System Uptime
Availability of monitoring infrastructure
Targets:
Measurement:
Operational time / total time per month
Business Impact:
Direct impact on security visibility and incident detection capabilities
Alert Volume
Number of security alerts per day/week
Targets:
Measurement:
Daily/weekly alert counts with trend analysis
Business Impact:
Affects team responsiveness and alert fatigue levels
Investigation Time
Average time spent on incident analysis
Targets:
Measurement:
Total investigation time / number of incidents
Business Impact:
Determines team efficiency and resource allocation needs
Compliance Score
Percentage of compliance controls demonstrably met
Targets:
Measurement:
Automated compliance reporting and manual audit results
Business Impact:
Directly affects audit outcomes and regulatory requirements
Business Impact Metrics
Security ROI
Cost savings compared to managed alternatives
Calculation:
(Managed service cost - Internal cost) / Internal cost × 100%
Typical Results:
Key Factors:
- • Avoided managed service fees
- • Reduced incident costs
- • Improved operational efficiency
Incident Cost Avoidance
Estimated cost of prevented security incidents
Calculation:
Number of blocked threats × Average incident cost
Typical Results:
Key Factors:
- • Malware infections prevented
- • Data breaches avoided
- • Downtime reduction
Compliance Efficiency
Reduced audit preparation time and costs
Calculation:
Previous audit prep time - Current audit prep time
Typical Results:
Key Factors:
- • Automated reporting
- • Continuous monitoring
- • Evidence collection
Team Productivity
Time savings from automated monitoring vs manual processes
Calculation:
Manual process time - Automated process time
Typical Results:
Key Factors:
- • Automated alerting
- • Centralized monitoring
- • Streamlined investigations
Reporting Framework
Executive Leadership
Key Metrics:
Format:
High-level dashboard with business impact focus
IT Management
Key Metrics:
Format:
Operational dashboard with performance trends
Security Team
Key Metrics:
Format:
Detailed operational metrics with actionable insights
Compliance/Audit
Key Metrics:
Format:
Formal compliance reports with evidence documentation
Continuous Improvement Areas
Use metrics to identify improvement opportunities and track progress over time:
Detection Accuracy
Success Indicators:
- Decreasing false positive rates
- Faster threat identification
- Improved alert quality
Improvement Actions:
- Regular rule tuning
- Behavioral baseline updates
- Threat intelligence integration
Response Efficiency
Success Indicators:
- Reduced MTTR
- Automated containment
- Improved investigation speed
Improvement Actions:
- Response playbook development
- Automation implementation
- Team training
Coverage Expansion
Success Indicators:
- Increased monitored assets
- Better visibility
- Comprehensive logging
Improvement Actions:
- Agent deployment
- Log source integration
- Cloud monitoring expansion
Cost Optimization
Success Indicators:
- Reduced operational costs
- Improved resource utilization
- Better ROI
Improvement Actions:
- Infrastructure optimization
- Process automation
- Vendor consolidation
Success Measurement Strategy
Establish baseline measurements within the first month, then track improvements quarterly. Focus on trend analysis rather than absolute numbers, and adjust targets based on your organization's maturity and resources.
Getting Started Checklist
A systematic approach to implementing your UniFi + Wazuh security stack. Following this checklist ensures you're prepared for successful deployment and ongoing operation.
Pre-Implementation Assessment
Complete free security assessment to understand current posture
Inventory existing network infrastructure and identify Dream Machine requirements
Choose appropriate Dream Machine model based on network size and performance needs
Assess internal technical capabilities and training needs
Secure budget approval for hardware, licensing, and implementation time
Define success metrics and reporting requirements
Month 1 Preparation Tasks
Purchase and deploy Dream Machine Pro/SE/Pro Max based on requirements
Dependencies: Budget approval, hardware selection completed
Subscribe to UniFi CyberSecure service appropriate for your hardware
Dependencies: Dream Machine deployed and configured
Plan Wazuh deployment architecture (self-hosted vs managed)
Dependencies: Technical assessment completed
Create implementation timeline and assign responsibilities
Dependencies: Team assessment, technical planning completed
Set up monitoring and alerting channels
Dependencies: Team responsibilities assigned
Hardware Selection Quick Reference
Dream Machine Pro
Most small businesses (10-50 endpoints)
Key Specs:
- • 3.5 Gbps IPS routing
- • CyberSecure Standard support
- • Built-in controller
Note: Most cost-effective entry point for CyberSecure
Dream Machine SE
Growing businesses needing integrated switching
Key Specs:
- • 8-port PoE switch
- • 2.5 Gbps WAN
- • Enhanced storage
Note: Good mid-tier option with integrated capabilities
Dream Machine Pro Max
Larger deployments (50+ endpoints)
Key Specs:
- • 5 Gbps IPS routing
- • CyberSecure Enterprise support
- • Enhanced processing
Note: High performance, future-proof for growth
Implementation Support Resources
Official Documentation
Comprehensive setup guides and best practices
Access:
Free online documentation
Value:
Essential for implementation and troubleshooting
Community Forums
Active communities for troubleshooting and best practices
Access:
Free forum access
Value:
Peer support and real-world implementation advice
Professional Services
Consider hiring specialists for initial deployment
Access:
$150-300/hour typical rates
Value:
Faster implementation and reduced learning curve
Training Resources
Invest in team training for ongoing management
Access:
$500-2000 per person
Value:
Long-term operational capability and expertise
Implementation Success Tips
Following these proven strategies significantly increases your chances of successful implementation:
Start Small and Scale
Begin with basic configurations and expand gradually
Benefit: Reduces complexity and learning curve
Document Everything
Maintain detailed records of all configuration changes
Benefit: Essential for troubleshooting and team continuity
Plan for Training
Allocate time and budget for team skill development
Benefit: Ensures long-term success and reduces dependency
Build Vendor Relationships
Engage with UniFi and Wazuh communities early
Benefit: Access to support and best practices
Key Success Factor
This two-component approach provides enterprise-grade security capabilities while remaining practical and cost-effective for growing organizations. Success depends on realistic planning, adequate resource allocation, and commitment to ongoing maintenance and improvement.
Alternative Deployment Scenarios
Choose the scenario that matches your current needs with room to grow into more comprehensive coverage as requirements and budget expand. Each approach provides a foundation for future enhancement.
Deployment Scenarios Overview
Scenario 1: Minimal Budget Startup
Self-hosted focus with basic monitoring
Hardware Setup:
Dream Machine Pro with UniFi CyberSecure Standard ($99/year)
Software & Services:
Wazuh self-hosted on existing server infrastructure
Primary Focus:
Focus on critical system monitoring only
Hardware Investment:
Total First Year:
Best For:
Startups with technical expertise but limited budget
Key Considerations:
Scenario 2: Growing Business
Balanced approach with some managed services
Hardware Setup:
Dream Machine Pro Max with CyberSecure Enterprise ($499/year)
Software & Services:
Wazuh cloud-hosted service for easier maintenance
Primary Focus:
Comprehensive endpoint monitoring and compliance reporting
Hardware Investment:
Total First Year:
Best For:
Growing companies needing scalable security with manageable complexity
Key Considerations:
Scenario 3: Compliance-Focused Organization
Full monitoring with compliance focus
Hardware Setup:
Dream Machine Pro Max with CyberSecure Enterprise
Software & Services:
Full UniFi network infrastructure with professional-grade switching
Primary Focus:
Wazuh with advanced compliance modules and professional services
Hardware Investment:
Total First Year:
Best For:
Organizations with strict compliance requirements and budget for professional services
Key Considerations:
Scenario Comparison Matrix
| Aspect | Minimal Budget | Growing Business | Compliance-Focused |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | Under $500 + hardware | $3,500-15,000 | $8,000-25,000 |
| Technical Complexity | High (self-managed) | Medium (hybrid approach) | Low (professionally managed) |
| Ongoing Maintenance | High internal effort | Moderate effort | Low internal effort |
| Scalability | Limited without investment | Good with planning | Excellent |
| Compliance Support | Basic reporting | Standard compliance features | Advanced compliance automation |
Selection Decision Framework
Organization Size
Key Questions:
- • How many endpoints need monitoring?
- • What's your growth projection?
Decision Guidance:
Under 25: Consider Minimal Budget. 25-100: Growing Business. 50+: Compliance-Focused.
Technical Expertise
Key Questions:
- • Do you have dedicated IT staff?
- • What's your comfort with self-hosting?
Decision Guidance:
Limited expertise suggests cloud-hosted options. Strong technical team can handle self-hosted deployment.
Budget Constraints
Key Questions:
- • What's your security budget?
- • Can you invest in professional services?
Decision Guidance:
Budget drives approach. Consider total cost of ownership including time investment.
Compliance Requirements
Key Questions:
- • Do you have regulatory requirements?
- • How detailed must your reporting be?
Decision Guidance:
Heavy compliance needs justify higher investment in automated reporting and professional services.
Growth Timeline
Key Questions:
- • How quickly are you scaling?
- • Will your needs change significantly?
Decision Guidance:
Rapid growth suggests investing in more scalable architecture from the start.
Migration Paths & Future Evolution
Your initial deployment choice doesn't lock you in. These common migration paths allow you to evolve your security stack as needs and budget grow:
Minimal Budget → Growing Business
Migration Triggers:
- • Scaling beyond 25 endpoints
- • Need for easier maintenance
- • Budget availability increases
Migration Steps:
- 1. Upgrade to Dream Machine Pro Max
- 2. Migrate to cloud-hosted Wazuh
- 3. Add comprehensive monitoring
Planning Timeline:
6-12 months planning
Growing Business → Compliance-Focused
Migration Triggers:
- • Regulatory requirements
- • Need for professional support
- • Enterprise-grade needs
Migration Steps:
- 1. Add compliance modules
- 2. Implement professional services
- 3. Expand infrastructure coverage
Planning Timeline:
3-6 months planning
Strategic Approach
Choose the scenario that matches your current needs with room to grow into more comprehensive coverage as requirements and budget expand. Each approach provides enterprise-grade security capabilities while remaining practical and cost-effective for growing organizations.